2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine16640.8%
- Electrical5914.5%
- Fuel system235.7%
- Steering215.2%
- Visibility204.9%
- Transmission153.7%
- Brakes153.7%
- Other / unspecified153.7%
- Exterior lighting143.4%
- Airbags112.7%
- Driver assistance112.7%
- Tires & wheels102.5%
- Suspension71.7%
- Powertrain (other)71.7%
- Interior & seats51.2%
- Body & structure51.2%
- Seat belts30.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not sure if the problem is in the engine or engine or the fuel but I but I smell Exhaust or gas when the engine is running. With the headlights I can barely see at night. Having my brights on Is like having your regular lights on.
ENGINE STARTED SMELLING OF SMOKE AND UPON DRIVING TO WORK AND OR HOME THE CARS OIL LIGHT CAME ON TO FILL THIS CAR IT TAKES 4.2 QUARTS OF OIL, AFTER PUTTING 4 QUARTS OF OIL WITHIN THE MOTOR I NOTICED A LEAK COMING FROM THE OIL PAN AREA TO FIND OUT THE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR WAS DAMAGED AND WAS LEAKING 12 QUARTS OF OIL IN 25 MILES POTENTIAL OIL SPILL TO HIT HOT EXHAUST CAUSING COMBUSTION.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I AM DRIVING DOWN HWY 311 IN HOUMA, LA. I WENT AROUND ANOTHER VEHICLE AND AS MY CAR WENT INTO PASSING GEAR I HEAR A NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I STOPPED AND PUT GAS IN MY CAR. AS I'M DRIVING DOWN SAVANNE ROAD I HEAR THE NOISE AGAIN. AS I'M DRIVING THE NOISE GETS LOUDER AND WORSE. ON JUNE 10, 2020 THE CAR STARTS GETTING HOT SO I PULL OVER AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. SMOKE STARTS COMING OUT THE HOOD AND WATER IS ALL OVER THE GROUND. CAN'T FIND WHERE THE WATER SPEWED OUT AT OR A CRACK OR ANYTHING. FANS ARE CONSTANTLY NOT WORKING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENS. CAR WOULDN'T START. GET IT STARTED AND IMMEDIATELY WENT STRAIGHT HOME. THE BEARINGS ARE GOING OUT IN THE ENGINE. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN FEBRUARY 2013 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS SINCE MARCH 2013. AC GOES OUT. I FIX IT. IT WORKS A WEEK OR 2 AND STOPS AGAIN. ABS LIGHT IS ON BUT A MECHANIC CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON NO MATTER WHAT. THE PIECES ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE DOORS HAVE FALLEN OFF, ONCE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I ALWAYS HAVE TROUBLE STARTING IT. CHANGED THE BATTERY 3 TIMES. THE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT AND THE HOUSINGS FOR THEM ARE HORRIBLE. THE SUNROOF LEAKS INTO THE DOME LIGHT. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT GETS STUCK DOWN AND I HAVE TO FIGHT WITH IT TO GET IT UP TO BUCKLE IT. THE WHOLE CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED AND ON THE LIST OF WORST CARS NUMBERS 1 THRU 20 WITH OTHERS AFTER. I'M GETTING RID OF THIS CAR AND NEVER BUYING ANOTHER PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT. *TR
THE COOLANT AND ABS LIGHT STAYS ON. IT USED TO BE THE ENGINE LIGHT BUT SINCE I HAVE GOTTEN THAT FIXED THIS IS THE ON-GOING PROBLEM. AT LEAST IT DOESN'T AFFECT ME PASSING A SMOG TEST NOW. MY BIGGEST ISSUE IS THE FUEL GAUGE. IT WILL READ FULL OR EMPTY AND NOTHING IN BETWEEN. I USED TO BE ABLE TO ESTIMATE, BY CHECKING MY MILEAGE WHEN I WAS NEAR FULL BUT IT IS HARD TO TELL NOW, BECAUSE IT BOUNCES BATH AND FORTH AT TIMES. MY LAST ISSUE IS HEAT. IT USED TO WORK WELL BUT NOW IT WON'T GIVE ME HEAT. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM STILL WORKS GREAT.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not sure if the problem is in the engine or engine or the fuel but I but I smell Exhaust or gas when the engine is running. With the headlights I can barely see at night. Having my brights on Is like having your regular lights on.
CURRENTLY, I'M HAVING SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE WITH THE POWER WINDOWS AND HAZARD LIGHTS. ALSO, I'M HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM THIS STARTED OCCURRING THREE MONTHS AGO AND I FEEL IT'S NOT SAFE, AT TIMES WITH ALL ISSUES THAT MY CAR HAS IT CAN BE TERRIFYING TO DRIVE BUT I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS OR BUY A NEW CAR. THERE ARE A FEW LEAKS COMING FROM MY CAR AS WELL I KNOW ONE LEAK IS DUE TO THE POWER STEERING AND THE OTHER THE FUEL TANK, THERE MIGHT BE ANOTHER LEAK. MOST OF THE ISSUES I HAVE FIGURED OUT WHEN MY CAR WAS PARKED BUT SOME LIKE THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND FUEL ISSUES, I'VE NOTICED EITHER TURNING OR DRIVING ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
CURRENTLY, I'M HAVING SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE WITH THE POWER WINDOWS AND HAZARD LIGHTS. ALSO, I'M HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM THIS STARTED OCCURRING THREE MONTHS AGO AND I FEEL IT'S NOT SAFE, AT TIMES WITH ALL ISSUES THAT MY CAR HAS IT CAN BE TERRIFYING TO DRIVE BUT I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS OR BUY A NEW CAR. THERE ARE A FEW LEAKS COMING FROM MY CAR AS WELL I KNOW ONE LEAK IS DUE TO THE POWER STEERING AND THE OTHER THE FUEL TANK, THERE MIGHT BE ANOTHER LEAK. MOST OF THE ISSUES I HAVE FIGURED OUT WHEN MY CAR WAS PARKED BUT SOME LIKE THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND FUEL ISSUES, I'VE NOTICED EITHER TURNING OR DRIVING ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DIFFICULTY WITH IGNITION SWITCH, KEY GETS STUCK. VISIBILITY DIFFCULTY WHEN USING. WINDSHIED WIPERS. OIL LEAK/COOLANT LEAK.
2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HEATER SWITCH AND IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SWITCH FOR THE HEATER STOPPED WORKING. AS THE CONSUMER WAS LEAVING THE REPAIR SHOP, THE IGNITION SWITCH STARTED SMOKING. THE IGNITION SWITCH AND BLOWER MOTOR WERE REPLACED. *JB
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
OIL LEAKAGE FROM VALVE COVERS, TRANSMISSION FAILURE, HUB ASSEMBLY FAILURE,TRACTION SYSTEM FAILURE. PROBLEMS WITH ONLY 60,000 MILES GM WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE RESPONSIBILITY OR ASSIST IN PAYING FOR REPAIRS. FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE PROBLEMS WITH LOW MILEAGE ON THIS VEHICLE WHICH WAS PURCHASED NEW AND WELL MAINTAINED. TOLD BY CERTIFIED MECHANICS THAT THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. *TR
PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2001: WAS HIT BY ANOTHER CAR IN THE LEFT REAR WHILE CAR WAS AT RED STOP LIGHT WAITING FOR GREEN LIGHT, SPINNED, WENT ON TO "AUTOMATIC" DRIVE AND HIT FIRE HYDRANT ON THE RIGHT SIDE FENDER. THE IMPACT MAY HAVE BEEN TOO GREAT TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE PASSED MEDIAN AND STILL HIT A FIRE HYDRANT AND STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION. MY WIFE SUFFERED MULTIPLE INJURIES, I.E., BROKEN RIBS, NECK WOUNDS, ORGAN BURST, ETC., THAT KILLED HER AT THE SCENE. I HAVE SEEN A CAR THAT WENT ON "CRAZY SPIN" AFTER RUNNING OVER A PIECE OF TIRE ON THE ROAD. I HAVE BEEN BOTHERED BY THAT INCIDENT WHICH HAPPENED JUST A MONTH AFTER MY WIFE'S DEATH AND BEGAN TO QUESTION THE DESIGN OF FRONT WHEEL DRIVEN CARS THAT GO ON TO "AUTOMATIC" DRIVE AFTER ANY DISTURBANCE. THE OTHER CAR THAT HIT MY WIFE'S CAR IS SMALLER AND IT MUST HAVE BEEN MOVING OVER THE SPEED LIMIT OF 35 MPH TO HAVE TO CAUSE THE GRAND PRIX TO DEVELOP THAT MUCH MOTION AND MOVE AT RANDOM.. AND IT MUST BE THE MECHANISM OR TRANSMISSION THAT TRIGGERED IT TO MOVE. THEORIZE THAT THE GRAND PRIX WAS AT STOP AND BRAKES APPLIED, CAR WOULD NOT MOVE THE DISTANCE IT HAD IF NOT UNDERGONE "AUTOMATIC". THERE WERE PREVIOUS REPORTS ABOUT FRONT WHEEL CARS/ENGINES BEFORE THEY BECAME COMMON. THE GRAND PRIX'S ON-STAR DID NOT ACTIVATE OR FUNCTION, ALSO THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. IT WAS NOT PHYSICALLY POSSIBLE FOR THE GRAND PRIX TO MOVE THAT MUCH DISTANCES IF ATTRIBUTED ONLY TO OTHER VEHICLE HITTING IT. THE GRAND PRIX PRO-PERFORMANCE CLAIM WAS SOMETHING THAT HAVE BEEN PUT TOGETHER WITHOUT SAFETY CHECKS. NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG ALSO HAD DELAYED RESCUE AND THE "ON STAR" CLAIM OF IMMEDIATE ALERT DID NOT WORK. HOW SAFE ARE THE FRONT WHEEL CARS NOW? I HAVE TO READ BACK POPULAR MECHANICS MAGAZINE 1978'S BACK ISSUES TO FIND THE ARTICLE ON THE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CARS. I FEEL THAT THE SPEED OF THE OTHER CAR WAS NOT THE FACTOR THAT MADE THE GRAND PRIX GO ON RANDOM MOTION. THERE MUST BE FUEL INJECTION MECHANISM/COMPONENT PROBLEM. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAME UP ON A CAR STOPPED AT STOP SIGN. I APPLIED MY BRAKE AND FELT THE BRAKE PEDAL GIVE. I DID NOT HAVE BRAKES. NO WARNING LIGHT APPEARED. I HAD TO VEER TO LEFT OF STOPPED CAR, GO AROUND STOP SIGN ONTO A HIGHWAY. VERY FEW CARS ON HIGHWAY. HAD TO LET CAR SLOW ON IT'S OWN AND WAS ABLE TO GO TWO MILES TO STOP. BRAKE FLUID POURING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH CAR. POSSIBLY A RUSTED BRAKE LINE. HOWEVER THERE WAS NO WARNING. NARROWLY ESCAPED BAD WRECK AND POSSIBLE DEADLY CRASH. WILL HAVE IT TOWED TO MECHANIC TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF NO BRAKES OR WARNING.
ON MARCH 1, 2017, WHILE DRIVING DOWN LA VITA PASS, ON HWY 160 EAST, IN COLORADO, THE ROADS WERE SOLID ICE. I TRIED TO BREAK LIGHTLY, IN A TOUCH, RELEASE, METHOD, BUT THE SENSOR ON THE DASH STATED (NO TRACTION), AND WOULD LOCK THE BREAKS, DURING THE LIGHT APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE BREAKS, CAUSING ME TO SLIDE A BIT. I HIT A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, (SPEED APROX. 35MPH) CAUSING ME TO SPIN INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC, GOING WEST BOUND. MY VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE FRONT, AND BACK, MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. WANTING TO REPORT: BREAK PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE, AND NON-DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS. (CAN NOT SEND YOU PICTURES AS YOU ONLY ALLOW 5MB FILES, AND I GUESS, MY PICS ARE LARGER, AND THEY WILL NOT LET ME SEND THEM TO YOU.)
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idle, a burning odor was detected. The contact turned off the vehicle and noticed that there was smoke and then flames coming from underneath the hood. The contact did not sustain any injuries, and no medical attention was received. No police report was filed. The contact waited until the fire went out on its own and placed a cloth on top of the hood. The contact inspected underneath the hood and noticed that antifreeze was spraying outward. The fire had melted the fuses and valve cover; a brown substance was in the coolant; a red substance was spilling out of the manifold, and the timing belt had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact was made aware that there was one unrepaired recall associated with the VIN under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V701000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
OIL LEAKAGE FROM VALVE COVERS, TRANSMISSION FAILURE, HUB ASSEMBLY FAILURE,TRACTION SYSTEM FAILURE. PROBLEMS WITH ONLY 60,000 MILES GM WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE RESPONSIBILITY OR ASSIST IN PAYING FOR REPAIRS. FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE PROBLEMS WITH LOW MILEAGE ON THIS VEHICLE WHICH WAS PURCHASED NEW AND WELL MAINTAINED. TOLD BY CERTIFIED MECHANICS THAT THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not sure if the problem is in the engine or engine or the fuel but I but I smell Exhaust or gas when the engine is running. With the headlights I can barely see at night. Having my brights on Is like having your regular lights on.
THE MAP LIGHTS WONT TURN OFF. ITS NOT REGISTERING MY DOOR BEING SHUT I HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING ON THE DOOR BUT IT STILL GIVES ME THIS PROBLEM. ITS DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON MARCH 1, 2017, WHILE DRIVING DOWN LA VITA PASS, ON HWY 160 EAST, IN COLORADO, THE ROADS WERE SOLID ICE. I TRIED TO BREAK LIGHTLY, IN A TOUCH, RELEASE, METHOD, BUT THE SENSOR ON THE DASH STATED (NO TRACTION), AND WOULD LOCK THE BREAKS, DURING THE LIGHT APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE BREAKS, CAUSING ME TO SLIDE A BIT. I HIT A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, (SPEED APROX. 35MPH) CAUSING ME TO SPIN INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC, GOING WEST BOUND. MY VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE FRONT, AND BACK, MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. WANTING TO REPORT: BREAK PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE, AND NON-DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS. (CAN NOT SEND YOU PICTURES AS YOU ONLY ALLOW 5MB FILES, AND I GUESS, MY PICS ARE LARGER, AND THEY WILL NOT LET ME SEND THEM TO YOU.)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH FLAMES EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. UPDATED 02/23/17*LJ CONSUMER STATED AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPDATED 7/6/18*JB *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE COOLANT AND ABS LIGHT STAYS ON. IT USED TO BE THE ENGINE LIGHT BUT SINCE I HAVE GOTTEN THAT FIXED THIS IS THE ON-GOING PROBLEM. AT LEAST IT DOESN'T AFFECT ME PASSING A SMOG TEST NOW. MY BIGGEST ISSUE IS THE FUEL GAUGE. IT WILL READ FULL OR EMPTY AND NOTHING IN BETWEEN. I USED TO BE ABLE TO ESTIMATE, BY CHECKING MY MILEAGE WHEN I WAS NEAR FULL BUT IT IS HARD TO TELL NOW, BECAUSE IT BOUNCES BATH AND FORTH AT TIMES. MY LAST ISSUE IS HEAT. IT USED TO WORK WELL BUT NOW IT WON'T GIVE ME HEAT. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM STILL WORKS GREAT.
ACCELERATOR PEDAL GOT STUCK WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. AFTER MERGING INTO TRAFFIC I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL BUT THE CAR RPMS WERE CONTINUING TO GO HIGHER. INMEDIATELLY HIT ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR WAS STOPPED BUT THE ENGINE WAS REVVING. THEN I PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OF THE ENGINE. WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND MY HAZZARD LIGHTS ON, I PUSHED ON THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL IT RETURNED TO THE NORMAL POSITION. I RE-STARTED MY CAR AND THE PEDAL WAS AGAIN FINE. THIS HAPPENED IN DES PLAINES ILLINOIS AT AROUND 7:45 AM. NOT SURE EXACTLY HOW COLD IT WAS, BUT I GUESS IT WAS AROUND 15F. I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2005 MODEL CARS FOR AN ISSUE WITH THE SPRINGS FAILING. GM RECALL 05018. I CALLED THE DEALER, BUT THEY SAID THERE ARE NO RECALLS OUTSTANDING FOR MY CAR. *JS
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL HUBS KEPT DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. IN JUNE OF 2006, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND HAD TO BE TOWED FROM THE SCENE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. IN JANUARY OF 2008, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AGAIN AT A REST STOP. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED FOR THIS INCIDENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AFTER THE SECOND FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
I PURCHASED TWO NEW FIRESTONE AFFINITY TOURING BL TIRES FOR A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX (FRONT). LESS THAN ONE MONTH LATER, ONE OF THE TIRES DEVELOPED A BULGE IN THE SIDEWALL. IT WAS REPLACED WITH THE SAME MODEL TIRE. ABOUT ONE WEEK LATER, THAT TIRE HAD A SIDEWALL BLOWOUT. IN BOTH INSTANCES, THE TIRE SHOP TRIED TO SAY THAT WE HAD HIT SOMETHING. IN BOTH INSTANCES, WE HAD NOT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR OR RIM. I BELIEVE THAT THERE COULD BE SERIOUS SIDEWALL DEFECTS WITH THESE TIRES. I FELT THAT I SHOULD REGISTER THIS COMPLAINT IN CASE THIS IS AN EARLY SIGN OF A SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX ENGINE OIL LEAK, INTERIOR WATER LEAK AT PASSENGER DOOR *CW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE WATER LEAK MAY HAVE BEEN A RESULT OF THE DOOR BEING MISALIGNED. THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE CONSUMER WAS THEN INFORMED THE REASON FOR THE PULLING OF THE VEHICLE WAS DUE TO THE INFERIOR TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE STICKER IN THE TRUNK SPECIFIED H RATED TIRES, HOWEVER THE TIRES THE DEALER SOLD ON THE VEHICLE WERE GOODYEAR EAGLE LS TIRES. THE CD PLAYER WAS INOPERATIVE. THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE EGR VALVE AND GASKET WERE REPLACED. THE SUNROOF WAS LEAKING AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. THE LEFT FRONT CV BOOT WAS LEAKING AND THE LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING WAS NOISY. THE IGNITION CYLINDER, PARKING BRAKE, POWER STEERING HOSE, PUMP SEAL, RACK AND PINION AND OUTER TIE ROD WERE REPLACED. *JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, HE COULD HEAR A CRACKING NOISE UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TIE ROD ENDS WERE WORN. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIE ROD ENDS, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED 8,000 MILES LATER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART HAD BEGUN TO CRACK AND THEY REPLACED THE TIE ROD ENDS AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE HE BELIEVES IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEFECTIVE PART WAS THE KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY. UPDATED 09/18/07 *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED 2 TIMES BY DEALERSHIP, WE HAD TO REPLACE IT AT 99,000 MILES AGAIN OUT OF OUR POCKETS. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD EXPLODED IN MY HUSBANDS FACE IN 2012! WE ALSO HAD THAT FIXED FOR $480.00 OUT OF OUR POCKETS. THEN ON FEBRUARY 22,2013 AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE , THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE WITHIN MINUTES AND COMPLETELY ENGULFED THE CAR!( WE HAD TAKEN IT IN FOR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE RECALL AT OUR PONTIAC DEALERSHIP PREVIOUSLY TO BE FIXED.) FIRE WAS SO SEVERE IT WENT UNDER THE CAR AND DOWN THE STREET. WE HAVE 4 CHILDREN AND THIS HAS BEEN NOT ONLY A CONSTANT INCONVENIENCE FOR US, BUT A DANGER TO MY FAMILY! IT IS TIME THAT THIS BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. *TR
I BOUGHT MY PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT (3.8L) IN LATE '01, I MOSTLY SERVICED EVERYTHING WITH MY ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. AFTER ABOUT 3 YEARS (UNDER THE MFG WARRANTY) THE CAR BEGAN HESITATING WHEN ACCELERATING UPHILL & UNDER LOAD AT ABOUT 50-60 MPH, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT (AT THE DEALERSHIP) THE TOOK ME FOR A ROAD TEST WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS DUPLICATED THEN THEY DID SOME DIAGNOSTICS (CHARGED ME FOR IT) BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY SPECIFIC PROBLEM (NO CODES EITHER). MY FATHER HAS A CHEVY IMPALA LS '00 AND HE HAS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE, SO I DECIDED THERE MUST BE SOME KIND OF ISSUE WITH THESE CARS THAT GM SERVICE PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT. SO I CALLED THE GM SERVICE CENTER, LEFT A MESSAGE & A TECHNICIAN CALLED ME BACK ONLY TO TELL ME THAT THERE'S ABSOLUTELY "NOTHING" HE CAN TELL ME MORE ABOUT IT AND THERE'S NO KNOW ISSUE / HE HAS NO IDEA WHY BOTH OF OUR CARS (SIMILAR MAKES) HAVE DEVELOPED THE SAME ISSUE. I WENT ALL OVER THE PLACE TO MANY DIFFERENT & INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOPS TO NO AVAILABILITY. I FINALLY WAS TOLD THAT THERE'S A KNOWN (& CONFIRMED) ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES (THIS WAS AN ISSUE FROM '99 TO '01) AND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE). SO I CALLED UP MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT THE PRICE, WHICH THEY TOLD ME WOULD BE OVER "$900.00" FOR THE PART PLUS LABOR CHARGES... I THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD BE NICE OF GM TO OFFER ME SOME REPAIR FOR THIS FAULTY PART THAT HAS DRIVEN ME NUTS FOR YEARS, BUT THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING EVEN A REQUEST TO SIMPLY UPDATE THE PCM SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE WAS DENIED TO ME. SO I CHECKED IN TO A DEALRSHIP & ORDERED THE PCM SOFTWARE UPDATED, THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED! SO AFTER GOING THRU ALL THE SUGGESTIONS & ELIMINATING PART AFTER PART MYSELF, I FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT! THE PROBLEM WAS FAULTY SOFTWARE ON THE PCM (POWER CONTROL MANAGEMENT) CHIP THAT WAS REFLASHED & NOW WORKS FLAWLESSLY. SHOULDN'T GM AT LEAST REIMBURSE ME FOR THIS? *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THAT WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR SEAT IT DIDN'T FIT IN THE CAR TRIEDBTO ADJEST THE BEALTS BUT DIDN'T WORK THE WHOLE CAR SEAT FELL APART.
2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX HAD EQUIPMENT FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE HOOD FLEW UP INTO THE WINDSHIELD BLOCKING HIS VIEW AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT # 10-0364-91.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR LESS THAN 30 MINUTES I PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. WITHIN 5 MINUTES MY ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT THE FIRE OUT BUT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND EVERYTHING IN IT IS A COMPLETE LOSS. *JS
AFTER A HEAVY RAIN, THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOORBOARD IS WET. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I AM DRIVING DOWN HWY 311 IN HOUMA, LA. I WENT AROUND ANOTHER VEHICLE AND AS MY CAR WENT INTO PASSING GEAR I HEAR A NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I STOPPED AND PUT GAS IN MY CAR. AS I'M DRIVING DOWN SAVANNE ROAD I HEAR THE NOISE AGAIN. AS I'M DRIVING THE NOISE GETS LOUDER AND WORSE. ON JUNE 10, 2020 THE CAR STARTS GETTING HOT SO I PULL OVER AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. SMOKE STARTS COMING OUT THE HOOD AND WATER IS ALL OVER THE GROUND. CAN'T FIND WHERE THE WATER SPEWED OUT AT OR A CRACK OR ANYTHING. FANS ARE CONSTANTLY NOT WORKING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENS. CAR WOULDN'T START. GET IT STARTED AND IMMEDIATELY WENT STRAIGHT HOME. THE BEARINGS ARE GOING OUT IN THE ENGINE. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN FEBRUARY 2013 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS SINCE MARCH 2013. AC GOES OUT. I FIX IT. IT WORKS A WEEK OR 2 AND STOPS AGAIN. ABS LIGHT IS ON BUT A MECHANIC CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON NO MATTER WHAT. THE PIECES ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE DOORS HAVE FALLEN OFF, ONCE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I ALWAYS HAVE TROUBLE STARTING IT. CHANGED THE BATTERY 3 TIMES. THE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT AND THE HOUSINGS FOR THEM ARE HORRIBLE. THE SUNROOF LEAKS INTO THE DOME LIGHT. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT GETS STUCK DOWN AND I HAVE TO FIGHT WITH IT TO GET IT UP TO BUCKLE IT. THE WHOLE CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED AND ON THE LIST OF WORST CARS NUMBERS 1 THRU 20 WITH OTHERS AFTER. I'M GETTING RID OF THIS CAR AND NEVER BUYING ANOTHER PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT. *TR
THAT WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR SEAT IT DIDN'T FIT IN THE CAR TRIEDBTO ADJEST THE BEALTS BUT DIDN'T WORK THE WHOLE CAR SEAT FELL APART.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .